A 'virtual garage' of antique Chevy & GMC trucks from around the World

1939 GMC 1/2-Ton

Owned by

Dan and Seth Peterson

18 February 2008
# 2234

From Dan :

           Hey everybody! What do I have? I found this old truck in the town of Robbins, California after the big windstorm a few weeks ago. The fence had blown down and you could spot the truck.

           I promptly bought it for my 14 year old son as a multi-year project. The truck has been sitting in a field for at least 12 years. I believe it is a 1939 GMC 1/2-ton. It has a straight 6 engine and the shifter has a hook that one needs to pull to put it in reverse. The drive train is enclosed (unlike a newer vehicle where one can see the driveshaft turning). It also has a start button on the floor, and appears to be a 6-volt system.

           The truck is covered with surface rust, but is only rusted through on the passenger side door.

           I towed it home in mid-January (along with a very surprised possum that had been nesting under the floorboards).

           If anybody can tell me where to look for identifying numbers or features, I can post more photos. Is this truck worth significantly more rebuilding as original, or should I put in a newer engine and drivetrain? Do most folks put a later model front end under these? Is there a place where I can buy reproduction parts?

           Seth wants to put a 350 in his "new" truck.

Thanks!

Dan Peterson

-30-